Divorce and a Bag of Sweets

Francis Gibb the respected Editor of The Times thetimes.co.uk highlights the proposals to streamline divorce where no money claims are involved and where the couple have no children.

This would also apply to civil partnerships.

The reality is this is what happens already.

The focus should be elsewhere. Where money is involved there is a standard requirement to file a Form “A” which sets a timetable for a number of steps including the infamous Form E which is a long and boring process attaching a year’s bank statements and credit cards and involving valuations of homes and businesses etc. It has been described as the root canal treatment of divorce law.

What should happen is that as soon as a Form A has filed there should be a 30 minute appointment before a District Judge who would set a flexible timetable to encourage settlements. Just getting people to talk in the same room is often a massive step forward especially for a couple who live in the same house and glare at each other and leave post its on the kitchen fridge door.

One thing is for sure. A good divorce lawyer is essential. Have a look at hylton-potts.com

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